Knowsley is having to scale back its free school meals voucher programme (Image: Daily Record)

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Cllr Jayne Aston, the borough’s finance chief, said a fall in funding from Westminster had left the council with “no option” but to bring its scheme into line with the government’s own.

Cllr Aston said: “We potentially face a £10 million black hole in funding to get the borough through the coronavirus crisis after last week’s woefully inadequate second COVID-19 funding announcement.

“The £4.137 million second round funding, a reduction of 39% compared to the first round for the borough, was the fifth biggest cut in the whole country.

“The allocation does not in any way take into consideration the actual need in local areas, and Knowsley is still the second most deprived area in the country and therefore has a far higher amount of need than other areas.”

The change is the first concrete impact of the government’s announcement last week that it was reducing the amount of money it gave Merseyside councils to support the fight against coronavirus.

The government’s decision provoked fury across the city region, with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram accusing Westminster of “short changing” councils and several authorities warning of potential bankruptcy in the face of multi-million pound funding shortfalls.

But a government spokesperson said councils in the city region were still receiving a “significant” funding package.

Knowsley stories

In light of the changes, Knowsley has urged parents to check if their children are eligible for the means-tested meals even if they have not previously received them.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We want to make sure no one misses out and are urging parents and carers to check if they might be eligible for these benefits-related free school meals.

“Many parents and carers’ work situations may have changed due to COVID-19 and some families with infant children may not have applied previously as they are automatically entitled to free school meals under the universal offer.

“Our message is clear – it’s best to check. You can do this by visiting the council’s website and checking whether you receive one of the benefits listed.”